1. India Refuses to Sign Joint Statement at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting
Context:
India did not sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting due to lack of consensus, as required by SCO rules.
Key Points:
- India emphasized building consensus on global challenges, guided by the motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future” and the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
- SCO accounts for 30% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population.
- Significance for India:
- Regional security (via SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure – RATS).
- Socioeconomic ties (e.g., Young Scientists Conclave, innovation/startup initiatives).
- Enhancing regional connectivity (INSTC), countering China’s BRI.
- Promoting trade in national currencies to counter Western-dominated institutions.
- Challenges:
- China-Pakistan axis, China’s silence on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, perception of SCO as anti-Western.
- China-Pakistan axis, China’s silence on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, perception of SCO as anti-Western.
2. Rare Earth Elements (REE) and India-China Relations
Context:
China, controlling over 90% of global REE processing, imposed export restrictions, affecting global supply chains.
Key Points:
- REEs: 17 metals (lanthanides + scandium + yttrium), critical for defense, electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
- Applications: Aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, electronics, guidance systems, lasers, radar, sonar.
- Global reserves:
- China (44 million metric tons, largest), Brazil (21 million), India (7 million, 5th largest).
- China (44 million metric tons, largest), Brazil (21 million), India (7 million, 5th largest).
- India’s Challenge:
- Limited processing capacity, import dependence on China.
- National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) launched to boost exploration and self-reliance.
- Limited processing capacity, import dependence on China.
3. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) – India’s First Maritime NBFC
Context:
SMFCL (formerly Sagarmala Development Company Ltd) is now an RBI-registered NBFC for the maritime sector.
Key Points:
- Provides tailored financial products to port authorities, shipping companies, and strategic sectors (shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, maritime education).
- Supports Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Other initiatives:
- Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) for port innovation.
- SAGAR SETU platform for integrated EXIM services.
- DRISHTI for tracking maritime vision implementation.
- Gateway to Green: Ports as hydrogen hubs.
4. US Pulls Funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Context:
The US has withdrawn funding from Gavi, citing concerns over silencing dissent on vaccine safety.
Key Points:
- Gavi: Public-private partnership (WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, Gates Foundation); vaccinated over 1 billion children.
- US withdrawal trend: Also exited WHO, Paris Agreement, UNHRC, UNRWA.
- Implications:
- Weakens multilateralism and global health funding.
- May create a leadership vacuum filled by China, potentially reducing India’s influence in global organizations.
5. Operation Deep Manifest – DRI’s Crackdown on Illegal Imports
Context:
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized ₹9 crore worth of Pakistani-origin goods routed via third countries.
Key Points:
- Operation targets illegal imports circumventing India’s ban on Pakistani goods.
- Previous imports faced 200% customs duty.
6. AlphaGenome – Google DeepMind’s New AI Model
Context:
Google DeepMind launched AlphaGenome to predict how DNA mutations affect health.
Key Points:
- Analyzes long DNA sequences (up to 1 million base pairs).
- Complements AlphaMissense (protein-coding variant effects).
- Potential for breakthroughs in genomics and personalized medicine.
7. 10 Years of AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)
Context:
India marks a decade of AMRUT, a centrally sponsored urban development scheme.
Key Points:
- Objectives: Universal tap and sewerage connections, increased city amenity value, reduced pollution.
- Achievements:
- 99 lakh streetlights replaced with LEDs.
- 46 lakh tonnes CO₂ reduction/year.
- ₹4,984 crore raised via municipal bonds.
- GIS-based master plans for 231 cities.
- AMRUT 2.0 (2021–26): Focus on water reuse, skill-building for women (AMRUT Mitra), and digital governance.
8. Science & Technology Clusters Initiative
Context:
Annual report highlights initiatives like Kalaanubhav.in (AR/VR artisan marketplace).
Key Points:
- Launched in 2020 (PM-STIAC recommendation).
- Brings together academia, R&D, industry, and government for regional problem-solving.
- Operates via consortiums; nodal agency: Office of Principal Scientific Adviser.
9. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes
Context:
Indian pilgrims visited Lake Manasarovar after a six-year gap, resuming people-to-people ties with China.
Key Points:
- Routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).
- Lake Manasarovar: World’s highest freshwater lake, sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.
10. Official Language Department Golden Jubilee
Context:
Department of Official Language celebrates 50 years.
Key Points:
- Established 1975; covered by Part XVII of the Constitution.
- Article 343: Hindi (Devanagari) as Union official language; English also permitted.
- States can adopt regional languages as official languages (Article 345).
11. International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) – GIFT City
Context:
Finance Minister reviewed GIFT City-IFSC’s progress.
Key Points:
- Established as SEZ in 2015; bridges Indian and global financial markets.
- IFSC Authority (statutory body under IFSC Act, 2019) regulates financial products and services.
12. Green Data Center in Ghaziabad
Context:
Foundation laid for an energy-efficient Green Data Center at Central Electronics Limited.
Key Points:
- Focus: Minimizing environmental impact, maximizing energy efficiency.
- Collaboration between CEL (CSIR, Ministry of S&T) and ESDS (private company).
13. UN80 Initiative
Context:
UN launches UN80 Initiative to mark 80 years since its founding.
Key Points:
- Aims to streamline UN operations and reaffirm relevance.
- UN: Founded 1945, 193 members, 6 principal organs.
14. Place in News: Japan
Context:
Earthquakes struck the Japanese island chain.
Key Points:
- Four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku.
- Natural hazards: Frequent earthquakes (Pacific Ring of Fire).
- Highest peak: Mount Fuji (3,776 m).